People hire financial advisors for a variety of different reasons. Whether you’re wondering how to choose an investment advisor to help you invest your funds astutely or are trying to find a financial planner to help you get out of debt, there is a financial planner out there who can help you manage your finances. It’s important that you find a financial advisor who is specialized in what you hope to accomplish with your money.
Here are four tips to help you find a financial advisor that’s perfect for you:
1. Determine your needs: If you’re looking to find a financial advisor for tax planning, you shouldn’t hire an investment advisor. It’s important to make sure your needs and goals coincide with the specialization of your financial planner so you get the best advice and assistance possible.
2. Check his or her certification: Almost anyone can call themselves a financial advisor. To find a financial advisor with the proper qualifications for the job, you should see if he or she is registered with the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors or Garrett Planning Network, which both require financial advisors to undergo continued training.
3. Ask around: In many cases, a referral from a friend or family member will help lead you to a good financial advisor more often than an advertisement will. Talk to people you know to get their input on the financial planners in your area — this will make it a lot easier to find a financial advisor who has a good reputation with customers.
4. See if the financial advisor takes his or her own advice: When trying to find a financial advisor, you should see how he or she gives financial advice and how that advice compares to his or her actual financial activity. For example, the best investment advisors will invest their own funds where they tell you to invest yours. Continue reading here.
